7 Simple Concepts That Make My Life Better

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

As an artist, I wish more people kept a sketchbook, even if they don't think they're "good" at art or don't see themselves as artists. There are so many benefits to keeping a sketchbook and I'm fascinated in the therapeutic aspect of it as well. It forces us to slow down and pay attention to the things that often go unnoticed. We start to notice the little details and patterns in everything around us and the beauty in the mundane. There's also just something special about going through old drawings, paintings, or sketches you did when you were at a certain place and remember EXACTLY what you were feeling and the way things looked at that moment in time, but most importantly how you interpreted that moment and used your creativity to portray it. You can sketch ANYTHING and it will tell a story. ❤

[@janebaker966]

John Ruskin the 19th C art critic was an advocate of just how you describe. Drawing as therapy. He thought everyone including working people should draw because it made you look closer at things. The story of his wedding night is also a bit famous and hilarious but not at the time I guess.

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

@@janebaker966 Exactly. I'm a huge advocate for this. Not to mention how it forces you to slow down and notice the patterns and details in everything in our surroundings.

[@smileyface702]

Inspiring!

[@ArtistUttam]

Same feelings ❤

[@SlickEvan]

This.

[@Bobby_Davis]

The production continues to get better and better and better and better. Your process of blooming as an artist is the art itself. Well done mate.

[@KellyWakasa]

i always marvel at how beautiful n cinematic ur videos r man!! teach me ur ways plz

[@romanishchenko6310]

- buy fudjifilm X-T4, X-S10 or X-X20 - google "How To Edit Like Nathaniel Drew"

[@markus19990316]

I've started to resonate a lot with a similar workout philosopy. Yesterday I went for a run without tracking anything. I realized how using a sports watch was making me feel resistance towards running. I just ran because I wanted to. How long I wanted to. How fast I wanted to. It felt incredible.

[@mustbecome]

Nathaniel continues to bring our attention to a MASSIVE PROBLEM: That often we create the complexity in our lives then fight to justify why. At the end of the day, we can choose to do the millions of things that leave us no progress in any one direction or we can focus on the few things that, in time will bring us everything we ever wanted out of life. Thank you Nathaniel for the simple and effective way forwards.

[@fanatical56]

Nicely stated mate.

[@mustbecome]

Thank you brother. I love seeing the comments on videos like these as they help me create new perspectives on my own channel tbh@@fanatical56

[@no-hustle]

Love your concept of "labelling", as it's so true that we meander through different chapters in life. Trying to cling on to a past one or yearn for the next is folly; and often, the most important step we need to take is to appreciate where we are (right now) and then embrace the steps we need to take.

[@keneticchannel]

Former thick chap here. Simplifying training (exercise, fitness, etc.) completely changed my relationship with my body and, to some degree, my mind. I think the first step is seeing something physical that makes you go "Hey, that looks fun. I think I'd like to try that," and using that activity to build your strength and endurance. Over time, as you get stronger, less-winded, and slimmed down, more physical activities will look more appealing as a fun challenge. My intro to training was seeing a boxer skipping rope. I could care less about boxing and could probably never take a punch, but being able to jump rope like that looked like so much fun. That later led to running long distances on roads, running trails, calisthenics, and who knows what else I'll end up trying. But it's not complicated. Just follow what looks fun.

[@jessisoffline]

How incredible that this was exactly what I needed to hear. I've often felt imposter syndrome in trying new activities or other forms of exercises. Just yesterday I was asking myself when I went to the bouldering gym solo for the first time vs going with friends "what on earth am I doing here? I feel so out of place". But actually, the way you put it, just simplifying what the task at hand, makes entry into any activity that much more approachable. It's just bouldering. It's just me in a space, where I get to climb walls and problem solve. That's it.

[@serinaadriana5301]

Combining the saying things out loud and journaling point - I absolutely love using my voice notes as a journal. I just sit down or go for a walk and record while I process my thoughts out loud. Sometimes it’s 10mins long, other times and hour but it’s become a great part of my self care routine. I don’t have to slow down my thoughts in order for my pen to follow and I just get to listen to me putting everything out there. Would highly recommend!

[@fanatical56]

Voice memos are brilliant. But be careful, people may think you’re psychotic if they catch you in the act 😂😂

[@streetandfashionphotograph3374]

This is a great point to mention. Thank you for sharing it with us. It always always mentioned that the journals are the best option but frankly I do not have the best handwriting nor patience to write down the things. I had that aha moment few weeks ago one morning when I was sipping my coffee near a river and analyzing my thoughts. Afterward, I opened my voice memo and started saying it loud and make it more meaningful to record it at the same time.

[@leobethge6002]

Yes, you need to do it your way for your body, not the Army way, which I suffered over. I love your healthy attitude bro!

[@TheBaaLambChampion]

The cinematography in this is absolutely beautiful. I've live abroad for a year now, and this - the endless rows of pine trees, thick snow, mossy landscapes - reminds me of home so much. I am fortunate, and content to be in the position I am in, but nothing will beat the feeling of waking up early on a humid, chilly October morning, going for a walk around the little trails, just enjoying the feeling of freshness that the scent of wet dirt brings. Walking through a forest on a morning like this, alone, is a sublime experience

[@canalmarcelolobo]

The way in which you describe how it works for you, the separation in "this week, I'm going to focus on this, and that”, hit the core of my existence, and I am so happy to find out I'm not alone in this way of living. Thank you so much for this video, Nathaniel

[@rhosymedra6628]

maybe cringe but to the last point - if I am sad or frustrated or just feeling "off" and then I hug my kid...it all evaporates in the presence of this child whose existence still feels like a miracle, and who becomes more and more kind and fun and smart and cool every day. Something I'd never expected before becoming a parent.

[@CrystalKayFlores]

I love your videos just because they are filled with such a hunger to understand the bigger picture as to the need to connect. Regardless of what you believe is the purpose of life, connection and growing and pondering is what makes it all worth the experience.

[@Milark]

The quality of your videos went from amazing to TV level to straight art

[@marilynleslie472]

Very helpful. I completely agree with the concept of immersing yourself in beauty; whether it is a walk in the woods, going to the art museum, or listening to beautiful music. It refreshes the soul.

[@hilary3219]

I think drawing vs journaling might be better as drawing AND journaling because while journaling has always been the most innate/preferred way for me to process my thoughts - it has always involved small sketches or drawings to accent the words, which I feel like to a certain extent is part of what your describing. Also, while "Power of Labelling" is simply prioritizing, it sounds much more lovely and fun the way you describe it. I've always loved the idea of seasonality of life. Say it out loud - for me, is write it out. Because writing things out helps me slow down and think about things so I don't forget them and/or plan better ways/processes like organization to make it easier to remember things. It's also how a prioritize, each day, each week, each month, etc. I definitely feel it's draining whenever I don't do this.

[@AndrewStefan]

The shot with the mirror at 9:15 is incredible

[@giulio_valente03]

This is what I need through my daily life. I began to try to create these kind of "ethical rules" for myself, but I'm so doubtful that I never feel like doing the good thing. Thank you for making me feel valid even when I don't think I am❤

[@MindNow]

If I may ask, what kind of "ethical rules" did you create for yourself?

[@shanelyon6269]

What makes your videos so beautiful is that they feel like a journal. I don’t know if you are explaining your thoughts to me or if you are simply telling your future self and I happen to be here too. I envy your children their ability to watch these videos later and learn so much about who their father was as a young man. I hope you will offer a course on video editing so that we can all make such wonderful journals for posterity.

[@amelielettenbichler1022]

Thank you for consistently putting out such wholesome and valuable content! It's so relaxing and entertaining at the same time and the thought you put into all of your videos is incredibly admirable. The production itself is oddly impressive and I appreciate your work! I hope you are as proud of yourself as you deserve to be for your on going performances!

[@callmeacab]

The shot in the mirror made me smile and also giggle. I've watched enough of your videos to know you probably had a little mark on the floor so when you walked off camera you landed there perfectly. I have to say I've always struggled with actually journaling. I am an artist and I use a sketchbook often, but I've never thought about using THAT as a journal. I will be travelling to the south of France soon and I will definitely bring a sketch journal. Great idea.

[@MxMnKC]

Instantly added this to my Favorites. A couple of these I actually do but never thought about them as more than a simple ritual that works for me, which is what they are, but it's comforting to know that others use these rituals as well. Thank you for sharing this video

[@lou.4554]

I like to journal in comic style, combining text and drawings ... glad to finally see someone on the internet pointing out that there is more than writing alone when it comes to journaling. Thanks for the video!!

[@steveneardley7541]

I think it is important to be okay with doing things badly. Even if you can do something well, it's often a waste of time: "I am cleaning the dishes so well that even my great-aunt Mildred would not dare complain."

[@louwright7677]

I can’t even begin to describe how much you’ve benefited my life, I’ve just bought my first camera and hope to be able to hope others as you do

[@georgiadrescher5645]

Your videos are a very beautiful, rich, intense but still non-dogmatic way of sharing yourself and engaging others to reflect. Thank you!

[@brawales]

brown nose detected.

[@annavoytenko]

I find this "going out to the forest to record on the phone all the concepts for the video" to be not only beautifully simple but also it has an effect of a deeper connection with a viewer. Especially the intro of you just lying on the ground speaking to a camera. It feels like we are there as well listening to a friend contemplating life. Genius.

[@김바다-n8o]

I love him talking in the forest. I always respect him for making sincere works. Beutiful.

[@RajaRoyTalks]

Great video as always! To your point number 4 - simplifying fitness, I am in a boat which I think a lot of people can relate to. I lack the discipline to workout. I am fortunate enough to be able to afford a personal trainer and that has helped me immensely to get in shape. Areas and fields that I naturally do not excel, I feel getting help there is critical. For me the trainer is like a work meeting for 90 mins that I have to attend and do what he tells me to do. Though I know every exercise and the order in which we will do it already, just having the meeting scheduled twice a week for 90 mins was the key to turn the corner on getting fit. Getting help for me has been the key, in whatever form it maybe, but those weak points can turn into positive with the right guidance.

[@gabrielahinkova3403]

I find this video super helpful :) I will forward it to my friends. thanks for sharing !

[@melindamorgane8540]

Im loving these ideas and I am LOVING how your work has been progressing, expanding and improving. The quantity of your ‘films’ is fantastic. I’ve followed you for a few years now, and have always enjoyed your offerings. Your recent posts have been exceptional! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us. I can truly appreciate the way you think about life as well as your approach to ‘growing’ . Good stuff!

[@JuanPabloLenain]

Always loved how cinematpgraphic your videos are... and still do, of course!

[@joshuajones3728]

I've followed ND for a few years now and this might be my favourite ever video, keep it up!

[@Fogel1251]

I find myself comming back to your videos every couple of weeks and it never ceases to amaze my how much i need them. Meaning the message, they help me with being okay with being me, if that makes sense. They help me tremendously with my anxiety issues as well as giving a sense of calmness about figuring out my day-to-day life. So thank you for being you!

[@ivona5652]

I resonate a lot especially with the last point, I think it stems from our internal ancestral disposition. Being in nature and witnessing the beauty of the world aligns us to a deeper truth

[@Odetoearth]

Thanks Nathaniel, for sharing and being so candid and vulnerable.

[@thecosykind2436]

Such a beautiful production, music and feeling 💕💕

[@TommyDeWitt]

beautiful video! the cinematography, colour grade, and editing were all on another level

[@jas2800]

Man you don't know how that season labelling idea blew my mind. I've been killing myself this summer with the thought that I'm not getting any work done or not progressing in life. Instead man I should really be thinking about how this is a phase of my life where i'm spending the most time with my family. Thank you bro.

[@wildeevolution]

Drawing is a language that every child should learn before they learn the alphabet. They should keep using it and practicing it for the rest of their lives. Now that people don’t really write anymore, it’s even more important. I took one drawing class in college and I can’t believe how much I learned. I wish I had kept at it. Sadly I don’t lead by example but I encourage my children to draw every day. They are all amazing and so creative in all areas of their lives.

[@AikiraBeats]

I've been putting myself in nature longer than I used to. I started touching trees and the leaves that sprout from them, and honestly it just gives me a breathing point to remind myself that everything is alright.

[@Okaiako]

3:23 this is similar to how you remember information that you're studying when you write it down. This is because you're essentially "recreating" it on your own rather than just trying to remember someone else's voice saying it or someone else's handwriting. Taking the time to spell it and watching your hand recreate the word/sentence helps to remember.

[@lacthetomato]

How to get back, I often tend to overlook this point "-u- but you're so right, even a sunrise, a sunset, taking a nap under the clouds at midday, wow, it changes my perspective so much

[@Ms.Irod2024]

I always love receiving notifications from my favourite youtuber nathaniel Drew

[@innabella_]

Hi there. I just got here with random recommendation KZbin algorithm, and I'm so happy I saw your video. the atmosphere, the vibe, your style, your way of presenting the material, telling the story.. thank you very much, I was so impressed and captivated with awe feeling. I wish you all the best in your work and I'll follow your channel for sure. thank you for all the effort you're putting into your videos. they made me so inspired. 🌿🤍

[@Ankesadventures]

Also, I need more of that Scandinavian landscape here. Absolutely breathtaking

[@FilipedeOliveira-j5s]

Nataniel you're incredible, your narratives are a balm for the soul. Brazilian congratutaltions

[@BenSvender]

amazing advice! it's easy to let life get in the way. reminding yourself of what's important is crucial - the tricky part is that you have to do it over and over

[@JohanFitFoodie]

Definitely love using a notebook at all times, write down thoughts, Todo lists or 💡📓

[@RocioMartinez-qe1he]

Thank you for reminding me to be kind to myself. Thanks for all of the great content! Much love, Rocío ❤

[@ryanatallah345]

Your videos always brighten up my day . I'm really appreciative of the effort you put into create this style of yours that really makes your videos shine. Thank you very much for your work

[@activityenthusiasts]

Beautiful video, as always! #2 - labelling, this was a huge ah-ha moment. So often I feel like I have to be & do all things all the time, but the idea of dedicating yourself at certain points to specific things is a freeing concept!

[@rhiyabhattacharyya880]

"Be kind with yourself. We are all figuring things out".❤

[@MalamaLife]

I absolutely love your take on this! thanks for mentioning me :)

[@DiceDecides]

beautiful shots from different seasons, i appreciate the advice given too, helpful to navigate the busy world we live in...

[@kendall984]

I've been watching Nathaniel Drew's channel for years! He never fails to open my eyes to new perspectives and creative ideas! This man is a true philosopher

[@rofaidasamy6957]

i love the sound quality of this video so much, thanks

[@kristinehlert]

Eeeeee I love this idea of labeling! I recently started to do this more with my life too, especially in regards to balancing professional, personal, and creative endeavors. It makes everything I want to pursue much less stressful and this approach allows dynamicism and natural waves of life to happen. I think labeling allows us to tell ourselves that it is okay to not be everything we want to be, right now and allows for a more human existence.

[@MindNow]

Hey there, just trying to spark a conversation :) How exactly do you label it? Cause you said that you label your professional, personal and creative eneavors, but how exactly do you go about doing it?

[@redblur389]

I've "labeled" for years, and I do find it very, very helpful. I love the idea of the dumb mistakes fund. Thank you for that one!

[@Soletobelli]

I love so hard how you improved the quality of your content. :') Loving this. Lot of hugs from Argentina.

[@eri9536]

Sometimes a "thank you" is enough. So thank you. A job well done.

[@PaulaMorton-yx3iv]

Thank you for an inspirational video. You are wise beyond your years.

[@lagomholly]

Love everything you’ve touched on here! Life is just this wonderful thing of learning and creativity that keeps on giving and giving. I feel your thirst and enthusiasm to never stop loving the gift of life and make the most of what we can during our short time here. Excellent video as always!😊

[@MindNow]

Life is truly beautiful

Beautiful breath taking landscapes, deep simple message, thank you!

[@valecx1057]

1:31 the heart shaped light is incredible :)

[@arodriguez9764]

Absolutely love all the tips, especially to say things out loud and to experience beauty in nature to relieve stress/anxiety. Thanks so much for all these great insights!

[@yahyagahbiche293]

I really loved your take on “How to get quickly back on track”

[@thaniaxo]

I love the last one. As adults we tend to forget these moments... and they might be the most important

[@ig2949]

Thank you for this video, as always very deep thoughts and great advice. I love how your channel has developed and the editing is amazing! I appreciate all the beautiful scenery that you include.

[@queens6583]

Great perspectives that make a person look introspectively and perhaps allowing ourselves a bit of grace in our lives. I absolutely loved the camera shots and locations.

[@yuryshome]

Nathaniel, the quality of your videos is getting better and better. I don’t see the difference, but I feel it.

[@InnerResearcher]

Love the idea of having a ' Stupid Mistakes Fund' and having more margin for error. Brilliant :)

[@aleksandrateofilovic]

This might be my favorite video of you. Thank you! I've been following you for years and watching your growth and dedication to yourself is truly Inspiting. Thank you for being real and sharing your wisdom with us. 🤗

[@bethstratton3391]

I loved this video. particular points one, two and six, as these are things I do and already and they really work to help me focus and enjoy life. Another thing I recommend is focused walking. When taking a walk I say to myself “for the next fifteen minutes I am going to really ‘look’ and focus on the world around me, both good and bad.” This helps me to centre myself and embed my thoughts into my overall environment, which helps me to develop true focus i.e. not just walking blindly, but really understanding and knowing where I am and what attracted me to the landscape I was traveling through and what didn’t. This way when I walk in the future I can make sure that where I choose to go and places I choose to visit give me more of the things that spark joy and fire my imagination.

[@michaelkarasik4964]

awesome tips! I've been focusing on me a lot lately and think labelling that has been a tremendous help. Your videos always make me feel so much better about my life direction, thank you

[@YashoShasho]

This was so beautiful. Thank you for being you and sharing.

[@prachipatil2310]

Always Delightful to see Nathaniel's Video notification

[@pedrobarcik2660]

Really resonated with you! Also, loved the aesthetic! The best yet!

[@gribmuse5686]

Tom Fox’s music is beautiful!! It’s so cool that you work together

[@randymoore2422]

It all sounds so "obvious", and deep down most of us already know these things. But, knowing and taking action are two very different things. I'm trying to start each of my days with something like this. Nathaniel, thanks for making my day just a bit better.

[@jean6151]

My favorite youtuber I swear

[@marthag9688]

concept 7 is really interesting to me. i think being in the presence of something beautiful inspires the feeling of awe. and awe can remind you of the more important things, how big the world is (and so much more). and actually awe can be inspired by so many other things in life, too. (i recommend the book about awe by dacher keltner.) i guess seeking a dose of awe every day could be really helpful, as in preventative but also healing. :)

[@MindNow]

In your experience, is this "awe" something that you had to cultivate? something that you have to remind yourself of to do?

[@roos7222]

I really agree on the last part. I go to a nearby park and walk for a while when I feel stressed and overwhelmed. At those times I see the beauty and peace in it all again. You never learn how to process your thoughts at school or work. I feel like you just have to run like a train without standing still these days.

[@creativeharmonywithluiza]

very nice visuals and good message! i totally relate to your style but also the mindset! thank you for your inspiration!

[@barbarawroblewska5983]

I love seasoning life with months! ❤

[@fhasalalam]

Loved this video, clarifies so much in living a fulfilling life amidst big change. Right now I'm facing a change in my life-heading for college-and I'm both excited and nervous! Amazing vid as always Nathaniel :)

[@alishaprice4812]

Your videos are just so humbling and real. The presentation of how you portray your ideas are very informative yet calming. You have an interesting quality where your able to inform people but do it in a way that is so captivating and relaxing. Keep at it!👍

[@TheJeffry11]

I am so incredibly grateful to you for your Vlogs! I have learned and gained so much from your wisdom and knowledge that you so freely share. Thank you!

[@booshkoosh7994]

Wonderfully tasteful and true. It seems to me that we are the product of our own time; that which is from us, or of us, or for us, is fundamentally us (it will live on). To be unique, is to be out of competition with others, and to full enjoy the gifts of life. Thanks again for what you've done with your time! Have a great day!😄 P.S: the videography is so very, very excellent. I've been following along for 5 years, and each and every episode is a new art piece (each one better than the last).

[@pia-laetitia7513]

One extra tip by me: sometimes it’s easier to remember a number than a checklist. Let’s say you need to take 5 things with you every time you leave (key, headphones, wallet, phone, laptop). Sometimes it’s easier to see that you forgot to take something with you when you’re only counting four things instead of five. “1-key, 2-headphones, 3-wallet, 4-phone ehmmm one thing is missing. What else do I need? Oh it’s my laptop” I hope this idea gets clear. It’s also helpful for a lot of different purposes (the number of steps in a process for example)

[@palmsky1119]

I will try this out thanks for the tip

[@ArthurEmbleton]

As a bell end, I can't begin to describe how much I love to journal about the journey I've taken through your journey

[@davidcerracchio2705]

This content is what's good there is on yt

[@juliashcherbina5319]

This is exactly what I needed! THANK YOU 🙏

[@benfitness_]

A well explained video around well known issues! Thanks Nath for the great work you do.

[@lauriewinter6820]

This was very helpful. I tend to allow work to overwhelm me. And I too have those tasks I dread. I will work on setting aside a specific time to tackle those tasks, and making time for me! Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@santiagodesousa709]

I'm starting to love the word "perspective"

[@learnenglishwithstories3571]

I find your videos so relaxing and regrouping. Thank you. I am twice your age and yet in many ways I feel you have thought more deeply and lived more broadly than I have. With your help, I hope to catch up a little :)

[@englishclouds05]

" creating a positive association with it...." " to have a big marge ...." That's brilliant

[@RobertoRicotta]

I often talk out loud while editing videos. Luckily I’m not the only crazy one 😂 great content Nathan! ❤

[@EL-ub2df]

LOVE unconventional style of thought

[@KoteGreen]

Dude the shot at 9:18 with the mirror 👌